Rahul Dravid’s stint with Rajasthan Royals
Rahul Dravid first joined RR in the IPL 2011 mega-auction. Rahul Dravid had a three-year stint with them as a player. Rahul Dravid joined RR’s coaching staff after retiring from the game in 2013. He coached RR in IPL 2014 and 2015. He was associated with BCCI from 2015 to 2024 and couldn’t work in IPL starting 2018.
Rahul Dravid, who extended his contract as India’s head coach in 2023, ended his note with the national team on a high note. His stint ended after India lifted the 2024 T20 World Cup. A couple of months later, Rahul Dravid returned to RR after 10 years as their head coach. However, their reunion lasted just one season. He could join any other franchise before IPL 2026.
RR were without the services of their captain, Sanju Samson, for few matches due to his injury. He played the first three matches as an Impact Player. Riyan Parag led the team in his absence. RR only managed 4 wins and finished in the ninth spot in the points table.
Rajasthan Royals and Rahul Dravid have decided to part ways ahead of the IPL 2026. After the T20 World Cup, the former India cricketer was appointed as the head coach of the inaugural champions. He also brought in Vikram Rathour, as the latter was announced as batting coach. However, after a poor auction, the result didn’t go their way in the cash-rich league, as Rajasthan finished ninth on the point table.
RR management on Saturday, August 30, confirmed Dravid’s exit, stating that the 52-year-old was offered a broader role in the team, but chose not to accept it.
Rahul Dravid announces his retirement as Rajasthan Royals (RR) coach ahead of IPL 2026
Rajasthan Royals have confirmed that head coach Rahul Dravid will not continue with the franchise ahead of IPL 2026, bringing an abrupt end to his second stint with the team. A release from the franchise stated that the 52-year-old legend, appointed on September 6, 2024 on a multi-year deal, was offered a broader role after a recent structural review, but declined the position.
“Rahul has been central to the Royals’ journey over many years. His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise,” the release stated.
“As part of the franchise structural review Rahul had been offered a broader position at the franchise, but has chosen not to take this. The Rajasthan Royals, its players, and millions of fans worldwide extend heartfelt thanks to Rahul for his remarkable service to the franchise.”
The former India captain had previously been Royals’ cornerstone between 2011 and 2015 as player and coach, before returning last year fresh from guiding India to a T20 World Cup title. But his comeback proved short-lived. The Royals endured a disappointing 2025 campaign, stumbling to a ninth-place finish with only four wins in 14 games despite several matches slipping from winning positions.
Rahul Dravid himself had a tough time going through his beats of coaching and spent the season largely confined to a wheelchair after picking up a foot injury while playing a club cricket match in Bengaluru. Looking to add a second title to their 2008 triumph, the franchise could now either seek a fresh head coach or hand the reins back to Kumar Sangakkara, who was elevated to Director of Cricket when Dravid was appointed.
In the past month, several reports claimed that Rajasthan are in talk with other franchises over a possible trade for captain Sanju Samson. It was believed that the keeper-batter wasn’t happy with his batting position and some of the decisions that were taken ahead of the IPL 2025, which included the release of Jos Buttler. With Dravid now left, it needs to be seen if Sanju reconsiders his decision or Rajasthan starts fresh in the IPL.
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